Poison a tree and you could pay $500,000. New laws will let councils chase tree vandals through the courts for the first time, on public and private land.
New England Times News Desk
Posted inAwards, Feature, Gunnedah
Gunnedah women recognised at NSW local government awards
Two women from Gunnedah Shire Council have been recognised for their leadership and contributions to local government at the 2026 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
Posted inBusiness, Feature, Investment, Money, NSW News
Trust tax changes put New England businesses on alert
A new 30 per cent trust tax could cost small businesses thousands to adjust. With 21,500 businesses in the New England North West, local owners are being told to see their advisers now.
Posted inFeature, Mining and Resources, NSW News
New authority to guide NSW coal regions
A new authority backed by more than $200 million will give workers and communities in NSW coal regions a direct voice in their future. Mines will have to plan for worker support before they close.
Posted inEducation, Feature
NSW first to sign new Free TAFE deal
NSW is first to sign the new five-year Free TAFE deal, with $560 million and about 160,000 places from 2027 aimed at housing, energy, digital skills, and essential care.
Posted inCrime, Legal, NSW Politics
Knife scanning powers made permanent
Police can now scan for knives at major entertainment venues, shopping centres, stations and sports grounds, with permanent powers and longer operations. Here is what the new laws change.
Posted inEducation, General News, News, NSW News, School News
Teachers rally for more prep time
Teachers say the shortage will return without more prep time. About 85 per cent have considered leaving, and today they take a 16,000-signature letter to Macquarie Street.
Posted inCrime, Willow Tree
Man charged after large drug seizure at Willow Tree
Two large bags of methylamphetamine were allegedly found in a sedan stopped at Willow Tree. A 40-year-old man has now been charged and refused bail.
Posted inArmidale, Feature, Indigenous, Local festivals and shows
First Nations culture to take centre stage at Black Gully Festival
Armidale Community Radio 2ARM will honour its long-time musical patron, Uncle Cyril Green Senior, and bring First Nations culture to the 15th Black Gully Festival on Saturday, 7 November.
Posted inGeneral News, Health, News, NSW News, Wellbeing
Peptide surge hits NSW hospitals
Hospital visits linked to unapproved peptides jumped from five a month to more than 217 in just over a year. NSW Health says a professional-looking label is no proof of what’s inside.